Silver fruit knives have a long history that can be traced back to the 17th century. During this time, silverware became popular among the upper classes of society in Europe, and small, folding knives designed for cutting fruit and other small items became a popular accessory.
Fruit knives have Sterling Silver blades because silver is a relatively soft metal that is easy to sharpen and maintain. It‘s also resistant to corrosion and tarnishing which makes it a good choice for knives that may be exposed to acidic juices often found in fruits. Silver doesn’t taint the flavour of food when it’s used to cut fruit as other metals were thought to have done.
Some manufacturers even incorporated additional tools, such as corkscrews or bottle openers into the knife design. These tools were often made of another stronger metal such as steel.
As Stainless Steel became popular in the 1920s and 30s silver blades became less common as cheaper steel blades were made and used.
For handles Mother of Pearl became a popular choice to add a touch of luxury and elegance to the dining experience in the Victorian era. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, mother of pearl is also durable and resistant to moisture, making it practical for use in kitchen and dining utensils like fruit knives. Its smooth and polished surface also makes it easy to clean and maintain.
Today folding fruit knives are highly collectible and are often used for slicing apples and other fruit.
